Governor Delivers State of State Address

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton is appealing for a "unity of purpose" as delivers the capstone State of the State address of his term.

In his speech Wednesday night to a joint convention of the Legislature, Dayton said lawmakers of differing parties should reach for the ideal as they finalize tax-cut and spending bills this year.

The Democratic governor used the platform to recap state efforts to foster learning among the youngest students, connect more people with health insurance and partner with businesses looking to grow in Minnesota.

Republicans panned the speech in advance as a political look-ahead to Dayton's re-election campaign. It is the latest address by a Minnesota governor since 1977 and comes as lawmakers are scrambling to conclude their annual session.